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July 13, 2026

Sloppy Floyd State Park Hosting Cloud Spotters Program and Night Hike Saturday

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James H. “Sloppy” Floyd State Park is inviting outdoor enthusiasts to take part in two ranger-led programs on Saturday, July 18, offering opportunities to learn about the natural world during both the day and night.

The day begins with the Cloud Spotters program at 10 a.m., where participants will create a cloud spotter craft before hiking to the Lower Lake Dam to learn about different cloud formations and Earth’s weather systems. Guests are encouraged to bring a blanket, sunglasses and plenty of water. The program costs $3 per person, and a $10 park pass is also required.

Later that evening at 8 p.m., the park will host a Cold-Blooded Critters Night Hike along the Upper Lake Trail. Rangers will introduce participants to reptiles, amphibians and other cold-blooded animals while discussing their habitats, diets and survival strategies. Participants should wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water. The night hike is also $3 per person, with a $10 park pass required.

Advance registration is required for both programs. To register or for more information, call the park office at 706-857-0826.

July 9, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Berry College Receives Nearly $750,000 for Longleaf Pine Restoration Project

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Berry College and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources have been awarded nearly $750,000 to restore thousands of acres of longleaf pine habitat in Northwest Georgia.

The project is supported by a $387,100 grant from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, with matching funds bringing the total investment to nearly $750,000.

The grant was secured by Dr. Adrienne Ernst, director of the Berry College Longleaf Pine Project, along with collaborators Carlee Steppe and Allison Melcher of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Wildlife Resources Division.

The funding will be used to restore calcareous flatwoods and montane longleaf pine habitats at Berry College and nearby Georgia DNR Wildlife Management Areas. The project also aims to help recover Mohr’s Barbara’s button, a federally threatened plant species found in the flatwoods.

Officials say more than 3,000 acres will be restored and managed through prescribed burning, invasive species control, and targeted habitat improvements. The team will also develop a 50-year management plan to guide long-term conservation efforts across the landscape.

July 2, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia’s Bald Eagle Population Continues Strong Growth, DNR Survey Finds

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Georgia’s bald eagle population continues to thrive, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ annual nesting survey, which found nesting success well above long-term averages despite surveying fewer areas than usual this year.

June 27, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

State Identifies Three Georgia Beaches With Elevated Fecal Bacteria Levels

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Anyone planning a trip to the Georgia coast this summer may want to check beach conditions before heading into the water.

State officials have identified 15 miles of beachfront on Tybee Island, St. Simons Island, and Jekyll Island where elevated levels of enterococci, a type of fecal bacteria, have exceeded recreational water quality standards. The affected beach segments have been classified as “not supporting” recreational use under the Clean Water Act.

According to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, enterococci bacteria can originate from wastewater, failing septic systems, stormwater runoff, wildlife, and pet waste. While the bacteria itself is used as an indicator, elevated levels may signal the presence of other disease-causing organisms that can increase the risk of illness for swimmers.

State officials are working to develop cleanup plans for the affected waters, and public comments on those plans are being accepted through July 16. Before visiting Georgia’s beaches, officials recommend checking the latest advisories through the Georgia Healthy Beaches program

June 21, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

DNR Says Invasive Tegu Lizards Can Be Killed On Sight In Georgia

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Georgia wildlife officials are asking residents to be on the lookout for a large invasive lizard that poses a threat to native wildlife.

June 12, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Prescribed Burns Helping Native Plants Thrive Across Georgia WMAs

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Wildlife Resources Division biologists with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources are seeing positive results from prescribed fire management efforts across several Wildlife Management Areas in the state.

June 11, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Georgia DNR Says Canada Geese Will Be Temporarily Grounded This Summer

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Canada geese may be more noticeable around neighborhoods, parks, ponds, and other public spaces in Georgia over the next few weeks as the birds go through their summer molting season.

June 6, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

4-Foot Invasive Lizard Spotted In Georgia, Wildlife Officials Urge Action

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Georgia wildlife officials are warning residents about an invasive lizard species that is spreading across parts of the state and threatening native wildlife.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

Recent Rains Bring Much-Needed Drought Relief to Northwest Georgia

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Weeks of steady rainfall have brought encouraging news for Northwest Georgia, helping ease drought conditions that have plagued the region for months.

June 5, 2026

by Jimmy Holbrook

National Fishing and Boating Week Returns June 6-14 Across Georgia

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Georgians will have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors as National Fishing and Boating Week returns June 6-14, 2026, with special events, educational programs, and two free fishing days offered statewide.